Breaking ground on a new school in Pender County

PENDER COUNTY, N.C. (WWAY)– Construction of a new K-through-8 school in the Hampstead area is officially underway.

Pender County voters previously approved a $178 million bond for the new school.

The Pender Board of Education initially voted against the original plans for the school but approved the revised plan at its May meeting.

This redesign features additional square footage, 14 new classrooms, and improved traffic management for student pick-up and drop-off.

Pender County Commissioner Brad George highlighted the rapid growth in certain parts of the county:

“It’s much needed on this side of the county. Our elementary and middle schools here are both at capacity. It’s a big day—we are finally getting this project off the ground and hopefully, we will see concrete moving soon.”

The new school will also reach capacity once filled, underscoring the importance of the new facility:

“This school will be close to capacity when it opens, with K through 5 on one side and the middle school on the other, grades 6 through 8.”

Beth Burns, District 2 representative for the Pender County Board of Education, has been involved in this project from the start. She shared what this ceremony means to her both as a representative and as a resident:

“It is personal to me. Many of my friends have children in classrooms where we are exceeding our classroom size. To be here today, especially after being involved from the ground level and working to gain voter support, is very special and satisfying.”

This school has an expected opening date of late August 2027.